Troopers still investigating man's death on I-26

Published: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:17 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:17 p.m.

Twenty-two-year-old David Winter, a college student struck and killed on I-26 Monday evening, was planning a trip back home to Kansas for Christmas, according to a friend.

Winter was struck at about 6 p.m. in the middle of the westbound lanes of I-26 near the 57 mile marker in Polk County. His vehicle was found on the side of the road about 500 yards away, its doors locked. His keys have yet to be found.

N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper C. Sama said it's not known why Winter was in the middle of the interstate. Without a key, they have not been able to determine if his truck was out of fuel or if mechanical issues left Winter stranded. The accident is still under investigation.

First responders said Winter was struck first by a tractor-trailer and then by another motorist. Sama said he suspects the impact from the 18-wheeler killed Winter instantly.

No charges are expected. Sama said there was nothing the truck driver could have done to avoid hitting Winter.

Winter, formerly of Hillsboro, Kan., was staying in Mill Spring at the time of the accident, according to Sama.

David Loewen, of Hillsboro, Kan., said Winter was a really good friend.

"We have known each other for as long as I can remember, and I just found out about this accident this evening," he said in an email to the Times-News Monday. "It's really rough 'cause he was going to school out there in North Carolina and was going to be coming home for Christmas, and now obviously he won't be."

<p>Twenty-two-year-old David Winter, a college student struck and killed on I-26 Monday evening, was planning a trip back home to Kansas for Christmas, according to a friend. </p><p>Winter was struck at about 6 p.m. in the middle of the westbound lanes of I-26 near the 57 mile marker in Polk County. His vehicle was found on the side of the road about 500 yards away, its doors locked. His keys have yet to be found. </p><p>N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper C. Sama said it's not known why Winter was in the middle of the interstate. Without a key, they have not been able to determine if his truck was out of fuel or if mechanical issues left Winter stranded. The accident is still under investigation.</p><p>First responders said Winter was struck first by a tractor-trailer and then by another motorist. Sama said he suspects the impact from the 18-wheeler killed Winter instantly.</p><p>No charges are expected. Sama said there was nothing the truck driver could have done to avoid hitting Winter.</p><p>Winter, formerly of Hillsboro, Kan., was staying in Mill Spring at the time of the accident, according to Sama.</p><p>David Loewen, of Hillsboro, Kan., said Winter was a really good friend. </p><p>"We have known each other for as long as I can remember, and I just found out about this accident this evening," he said in an email to the Times-News Monday. "It's really rough 'cause he was going to school out there in North Carolina and was going to be coming home for Christmas, and now obviously he won't be."</p><p>Loewen also asked for prayers for Winter's family.</p><p>Reach Weaver at Emily.weaver@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7867.</p>